How to Cook Quinoa – Sharmis Passion

Here’s the right method to cook quinoa to add a healthy grain to the daily menu. Quinoa is cooked like rice but its texture becomes slightly different after cooking. If it is cooked properly, it becomes soft and fluffy and its grains remain separate. This makes quinoa great for lunch, light dinner or even to pack in lunch boxes.

Quinoa has a mild nutty flavor and blends very easily with Indian flavours. It is commonly used to make upma, khichdi, pulao and biryani style dishes. Since quinoa is rich in fiber and plant-based protein, it keeps the stomach full for a long time. When cooked properly, it is gluten free and easy to digest.

How to Cook Quinoa

Quinoa, pronounced ‘keenwah’, is an extremely healthy grain with a crunchy chewy texture that I love the most. Although quinoa is called a whole grain crop, it is actually an edible seed. The seeds are usually cooked in the same way as rice and can be used in a variety of dishes.

How to cook quinoa depends on the water ratio and cooking time. When small tail-like sprouts emerge from the grains, it shows that they are completely ripe. The grains should not be mushy or sticky, they should still remain light and fluffy after being cooked properly. It is a healthy grain option that easily fits into the daily diet.

Quinoa has been used by many people for years. Quinoa is gradually becoming common in Indian kitchens as well, it is mostly used as a substitute for rice. It is very suitable for Indian cooking as it absorbs spices and flavors easily. Pressure cooker and stove top method are mostly used in home kitchens.

The flavor of quinoa is very mild and neutral, so it does not overpower the dish. It also works well with vegetables, spices or simple seasonings. You can soak quinoa before cooking it and some people don’t soak it. Both methods work well if the amount of water is properly adjusted.

I usually cook them with dal or rasam for lunch, I also sometimes take half a portion of quinoa and half a portion of rice and cook it.

How to Cook Quinoa Ingredients

• Quinoa – I used this because it forms the base of the recipe and provides fluffy grains. You can also use red quinoa but it will take a little longer.
• Water – I added water to help the quinoa cook evenly and soften it thoroughly. Right amount of water prevents stickiness. If the quinoa is not soaked then you can increase the water a little.
• Oil – I have only used oil for the stove top method to lightly fry the quinoa. It imparts a mild aroma and helps the grains remain separated. You can skip the oil or use any oil of your choice.

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How to Cook Quinoa Step by Step

stovetop method

1.Measure the quinoa in a bowl and wash it thoroughly. Drain.

2. Pour ½ teaspoon oil in a saucepan, add the drained quinoa and sauté for a minute. Then add 1 cup water and start cooking. Lower the flame and cover and cook for 15-20 minutes.

3.You will see a small tail coming out and the quinoa will have absorbed all the water. After 15 minutes, check that there is no moisture, switch off and keep aside for 10 minutes. – Then open it and inflate it. If there is moisture then cook for 5 more minutes.

pressure cooker method

1.Wash the quinoa thoroughly, then drain the water and put it in a pressure cooker. Measure and add water.

2. Pressure cook on medium high flame for at least 5-6 whistles. Let the pressure release on its own.

3. Then open it and inflate it. Spread it on a plate and let it cool before using it in other recipes. Can you see the little sprout-like tail poking out a little, yes this indicates that the quinoa is cooked properly.

instant pot method

1.Wash it well, drain the water.

2.Put it in the inner vessel. – Add 1.5 cups of water in it. The ratio is 1 cup (quinoa): 1.5 cups (water).

3.Now close it with a lid. Initially the steel button is at the bottom.

4. Set pressure cook to high mode for 1 minute.

5. It takes about 10 minutes to start.

6. Initially the steel knob is at the bottom and when it starts cooking it automatically moves up as shown. When the knob is up it means the cooking process is underway/started and when the knob is down the pressure is gone and you are ready to open the lid. Do not open the lid when the knob is up.

7.The Instant Pot’s timer has expired.

8.Let the pressure release on its own. It took me 20 minutes to quit.

9.Fluff it with a fork. When ripe, a sprout-like tail should emerge. Cooked quinoa is ready for the recipe.

Expert Tips

• rinsing – I wash it thoroughly before cooking. I usually wash it 2 to 3 times as it removes the bitterness from the outer layer.
• amount of water – I usually stick to the proportions and only adjust when left soaking. I simply add extra water because quinoa absorbs faster.
• pressure cooking – For better texture I let the pressure release on its own. Do not reduce the whistles too much otherwise the quinoa may remain hard inside.
• coolant – I simply spread the quinoa on a plate and let it cool. This helps the grains stay separated when used for other recipes.
• toasting -For the stove top method, try to skip the light toasting in oil. I do this because it improves the texture.

serving and storage

Serve them hot with vegetables, lentils or use them directly in upma and pulao. It goes well with mildly spicy dishes as quinoa absorbs the flavors well. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Warm slightly before using, works well for quick meals.

general questions and answers

1.Can I skip the oil?

Yes, you can skip oil, mostly in pressure cooker method. The oil is just for a little aroma and texture.

2.Can I cook quinoa first?

Yes, you can cook it beforehand and keep it in the fridge. This saves time when you are busy.

3.Why does quinoa taste bitter sometimes?

If not washed properly its taste becomes bitter. The outer layer needs to be washed thoroughly.

4.How to know if quinoa is cooked properly?

You will see a small tail coming out. The water will be completely absorbed and the grains will look soft.

5.Can I mix half rice and half quinoa?

Yes, you can mix both and cook them together. Just add a little more water if necessary.

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